A new variant of COVID-19, known as Stratus (formerly labeled Xfg), is rapidly spreading across Europe, gradually replacing the previous dominant variant, Nimbus, RKS News reports.
Stratus is notable for its increased ability to evade antibodies, making it more resilient than earlier strains. It is currently under close monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Originally dominant in India during the spring, Stratus is now drawing attention due to a distinct symptom: hoarseness of voice. Unlike earlier variants, where loss of taste and smell was common, patients infected with Stratus are now frequently reporting:
Dry cough
Sore throat
Hoarseness (voice changes)
In the United Kingdom, cases often involve severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Other common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Fever
Muscle aches
Blocked nasal passages / respiratory congestion
In Europe, Stratus has increased in prevalence from 10.6% to 16.7%, while in Southeast Asia, it has become dominant, accounting for 68.7% of all sequenced cases.
The WHO emphasizes the importance of specific measures to address ongoing uncertainty about the variant’s spread and effects.
